STATEHOUSE (June 5, 2025) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law two bills authored by State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) aimed at enhancing local government accountability and operational efficiency.
House Enrolled Act 1197 ensures that candidates appointed to public office meet the same qualifications as those elected, promoting consistency and fairness in the appointment process. The legislation also establishes a clear procedure for the removal of county commissioners in rare cases of official misconduct or inability to perform duties, requiring a two-thirds vote from both the county commissioners and county council members.
“HEA 1197 brings clarity and consistency to how public officials are appointed and held accountable, which is essential to maintaining the integrity Hoosiers deserve,” Lawson said. “Local residents Markus Dennis and Leah Lederman joined me at the Statehouse to testify about the need for this legislation, and it was meaningful for them to join me to see the new law signed by the Governor."
House Enrolled Act 1198 raises the threshold under which cities, towns and counties can use their own workforce for public works projects from $250,000 to $375,000, with the threshold adjusted annually based on inflation. Lawson said this change will help local governments respond more effectively to community needs without unnecessary delays or added costs.
“Hancock County Highway Department engineer Gary Pool joined me at the Statehouse to testify in support of this legislation, which helps communities like ours do more with the resources they already have,” Lawson said. “When local officials are trying to complete road repairs, maintain public buildings or improve infrastructure, this flexibility means they can move forward more efficiently and save taxpayer dollars."
This new law also removes outdated requirements that mandated architectural or engineering approval for routine maintenance projects like painting or minor repairs. Lawson said the law helps reduce red tape and allows local officials to better prioritize their time and budgets.
Both bills received strong bipartisan support in the General Assembly and are designed to help local governments operate more effectively, ensuring that public officials are held to consistent standards and that infrastructure projects can proceed without unnecessary delays.
To learn more about HEA 1197 and HEA 1198, click here.
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State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) represents House District 53,
which includes portions of Hancock and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION 1: State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) (third from left) joins Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (center, sitting), State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), State Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) (back center) and State Sen. Mike Gaskill (R-Pendleton) (right center) for a ceremonial signing of his legislation to promote consistency and fairness in local government appointments on June 4, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Also pictured (left to right): Hancock County resident Markus Dennis, Greenfield City Council member Dan Riley, Hancock County Commissioner Gary McDaniel, Hancock County Commissioner Jeannine Gray, Camden Murrell with the Indiana Association of Counties, Hancock County resident Leah Lederman, Oliver Lederman, Coriander Lederman, Riley Lederman and Brad King with the Indiana Election Division.
PHOTO CAPTION 2: State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) (third from left) joins Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (center, sitting), State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) (fourth from left), State Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) (center right) and State Sen. Linda Rodgers (R-Granger) (third from right) for a ceremonial signing of his legislation to help local governments respond more effectively to community needs on June 4, 2025, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Also pictured (left to right): Greenfield City Council member Dan Riley, David Bottorff with the Association of Indiana Counties, Hancock County Commissioner Gary McDaniel, Campbell Ricci with the Association of Indiana Municipalities and Hancock County Commissioner Jeannine Gray.
